Among physician assistants, 44% reported feeling burned out for more than two years, up from 37% in 2024, a Medscape report found. But only 24% of PAs said their employers can spot burnout.
“Between Burnout & Belief: Medscape PA Burnout & Depression Report 2026” surveyed 778 PAs across 26 specialties between Jan. 26 and May 5.
Here is what to know.
1. The top drivers of PA burnout were too many bureaucratic tasks (57%), insufficient compensation (49%), too many hours at work (39%), lack of respect from administration, employers, colleagues or staff (38%) and lack of respect from patients (29%).
2. Of PAs who reported burnout, 13% had felt burned out for two to six months, compared to 12% report feeling burnout for seven to 11 months, 29% for one to two years and 44% for more than two years.
3. Nine percent of Millennials PAs and 14% of older generations said their burnout was so severe they are thinking about leaving medicine altogether.
4. By gender, 15% of male PAs and 10% of female PAs said their burnout was so severe they may leave medicine.
5. More than half (53%) of PAs said their employer can’t spot burnout, and 23% said they were unsure.
6. PAs said the top factors that would reduce burnout are higher pay to avoid financial stress (57%), lighter patient loads (47%), a more manageable work schedule (39%), more support staff (36%) and greater respect from administrators, employers, colleagues or staff (28%).
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